Requirement Of Invasive Ventilation Research Articles

A retrospective observational study to determine the role of High Flow Nasal Oxygen in terms of recovery, mortality and need for invasive ventilation in COVID-19 cases

Background: Hypoxemic respiratory failure in COVID-19 is managed by conventional oxygen, High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO), and invasive ventilation. Multiple studies have proven that using HFNO in the early stages of acute hypoxemia failure can lead to better outcomes and delay or avoidance of invasive ventilation. This observational study was conducted to further establish this hypothesis. Also, no difference was found in mortality rates between the usage of HFNO Conventional Oxygen Therapy. However, there are very limited studies comparing outcomes of HFNO and Invasive ventilation usage. Hence, this study was undertaken to gain insight into comparing HFNO and invasive ventilation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective data collection was performed from 06/05/2021 to 15/12/2021 after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The collection was performed at MMFHA Ratna Hospital, Pune. All Indoor patient department files of positive cases of COVID first wave (2020) and second wave (2021) were screened. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction COVID-positive cases belonging to both genders, aged 18-100 years and where HFNO was part of management were selected, and data was extracted about socio-demographic data, clinical profile, and routine investigations advised, course of the patient in the hospital with respect to vital parameters, daily HFNO parameters, all the medications received, any other interventions if required, and the time points of taking patients off HFNO, the requirement of invasive ventilation, shifting out of Intensive Care Unit discharge, or death. Immunocompromised cancer patients and pregnant women were excluded. Outcomes were measured in terms of recovery, need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Results: Out of 700 cases screened, HFNO was used in 38 (5.4%) participants. The duration of HFNO ranged from less than one day to more than seven days. Of those 38, 30 (78.9%) received HFNO and 8 (21.05%) were shifted to mechanical ventilation. Out of these 30, eight (21.05%) expired on HFNO, eighteen (47.36%) were discharged, and four (10.52%) were shifted to another hospital on HFNO. All eight participants on mechanical invasive ventilation expired. Conclusions: In terms of recovery from HFNO use, discharge with a recovery rate was higher than mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation. The need for invasive mechanical ventilation was much lower in HFNO used participants (26 versus 8). All those on mechanical ventilation expired. HFNO can be a useful modality for oxygenation in COVID-19 patients. The exact role of HFNO in the trajectory of the management of hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 needs to be defined.

Clinical and Laboratory Biomarkers as Predictors of Severity in Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome-temporally Associated With SARS-CoV-2: Data From a Prospective Nationwide Surveillance Study in Switzerland.

PIMS-TS (pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome-temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2) is a rare but serious condition in children following SARS-CoV-2 infection, characterized by a range of clinical symptoms with varying severity. Understanding risk factors for severe PIMS-TS is crucial for appropriate and timely intervention. To identify factors associated with increased PIMS-TS severity in children. In this nationwide prospective observational study, epidemiological and clinical data was collected from children <18 years of age with suspected or confirmed PIMS-TS from all 29 pediatric hospitals in Switzerland. Children were categorized into 3 groups according to admission to intensive care unit (ICU): non-ICU, ICU-moderate and ICU-severe, defined as requirement of invasive ventilation and/or inotropic support. A total of 204 children were included; 99 (49%) were categorized as non-ICU, 50 (25%) as ICU-moderate and 55 (27%) as ICU-severe. In ICU-severe cases, respiratory and neurological symptoms were more frequent compared with non-ICU cases: 72% versus 47%, P < 0.001 and 66% versus 41%, P = 0.001, respectively. Compared with the non-ICU group, children in the ICU-severe group had lower lymphocyte counts, higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios, lower platelet counts, as well as higher C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin T and creatinine levels at admission. Lymphopenia and elevated troponin T levels at admission were associated with an increased risk of being in the ICU-severe group. The severity of PIMS-TS may be predicted using clinical symptoms and laboratory biomarkers, which help clinicians in decision-making and management of patients.

Determining the Association Between the Origin of Sepsis and the Severity of Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients Using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV.

Objective The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of hospital mortality, the requirement of invasive ventilation, vasopressor requirement, duration of vasopressor requirement, and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay among the different causes of sepsis and to determine which cause of sepsis had the most severe outcomes. Methods A retrospective chart review was done in critically ill adult patients who were admitted with sepsis to the ICU from July 2017 until July 2019. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV scores were calculated on patients admitted to ICU on day one of ICU admission. Each patient was then evaluated for outcomes of hospital mortality, need for invasive ventilation, requirement of vasopressors, duration of vasopressors, and duration of ICU stay. The outcomes were then compared between the different sources of sepsis to determine which source of sepsis had the highest severity. Results In total, 176 patients were included in the study. Ninety-three patients were admitted with respiratory sepsis, 26 patients were admitted with gastrointestinal sepsis, 31 patients were admitted with urosepsis, and 26 patients were admitted with other miscellaneous causes of sepsis. The hospital mortality was highest in the respiratory sepsis group at 32%, with a trend towards statistical significance with a P value of 0.057. ICU stay duration was highest in patients with respiratory sepsis at six days, with a statistically significant P value of < 0.001. The need for invasive ventilation was highest in patients with respiratory sepsis at 64%, with a statistically significant P value of < 0.001. The requirement of vasopressor support was highest in patients with respiratory sepsis at 47% and the duration of vasopressors was highest in both respiratory and gastrointestinal sepsis at three days, however, there was no statistical significance. Conclusion Among the different origins of sepsis, the patients with respiratory sepsis had the most severe outcomes, with the highest need for invasive ventilation and the highest ICU stay duration.

A multinational report on SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes in people with CF and Aspergillus infection or ABPA

BackgroundAspergillus infection is known to be associated with worse respiratory outcomes in people with CF (pwCF) and is a well-recognised complication of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to examine the association of pre-existing Aspergillus infection and/or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in pwCF and severity of COVID-19. MethodsData on SARS-CoV-2 infections in pwCF from January 2020 to June 2021 were collected by the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry. The primary outcome was COVID-19 severity measured by hospitalisation comparing those with Aspergillus infection and/or ABPA in the 12 months preceding COVID-19 and those without. ResultsIn total, 1095 pwCF were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 and information on pre-existing Aspergillus/ABPA status was available from 807. PwCF and SARS-CoV-2 in the Aspergillus/ABPA group (n = 153), in comparison to the non-Aspergillus/ABPA group (n = 654), were more likely to be hospitalised (adjusted OR 1.79 (1.19 to 2.85); p = 0.005) and their disease course was more likely to be complicated by sepsis (adjusted OR 7.78 (1.78 to 49.43); p = 0.008). The association with hospital admission was no longer significant after excluding patients with ABPA. Secondary analysis comparing pwCF who received antifungal treatment (n = 18), versus those who did not (n = 474) during COVID-19, showed a higher rate of hospitalisation (p < 0.001); intensive care unit admission (p < 0.001), and requirement for invasive ventilation (p < 0.001) in the antifungal treated group. ConclusionWe show that pre-existing Aspergillus/ABPA is associated with increased rates of hospitalisation and sepsis during COVID-19 in pwCF.

Epilepsy Frequency and Risk Factors Three Years After Neonatal Seizures

BackgroundNeonatal seizures, one of the main risk factors for the development of epilepsy, remain a clinical concern. In children with neonatal seizures, early recognition of risk factors is important for the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of epilepsy and for improving prognosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of and the risk factors for the development of epilepsy in patients with neonatal seizures. MethodsThe hospital files of 228 children who experienced seizures in the neonatal period were reviewed. The frequency of epilepsy and risk factors for the development of epilepsy were determined at age 36 months. ResultsEpilepsy was diagnosed in 40.8% of the cases. Univariate analysis revealed family history of epilepsy, parental consanguinity, abnormal neurological examination findings, microcephaly, unresponsiveness to antiepileptic drugs or antiseizure medication, use of more than one antiepileptic drugs to antiseizure medication at discharge, status epilepticus, electroencephalography abnormalities, abnormal neuroimaging findings, invasive ventilation requirement, myoclonic seizures, central nervous system malformation, and congenital metabolic disease as risk factors for the development of epilepsy. Of these, a family history of epilepsy, abnormal neurological examination findings at discharge, and use of at least two antiepileptic drugs to antiseizure medication at discharge were found as independent risk factors in multivariate analysis. ConclusionsNeonatal seizures appear to be associated with epilepsy in more than one-third of the patients. Of the newborns with seizures, those with a family history of epilepsy, abnormal neurological examination findings at discharge, and those using at least two antiepileptic drugs to antiseizure medication at discharge should be monitored more carefully for the development of epilepsy.

Hematological Alterations and their Prognostic Significance in Critically ill Children Admitted to the PICU

ABSTRACT Objective: Hematological parameters such as complete blood count, including red cell distribution width and prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio (INR) are the earliest markers of critical illness. This study was undertaken to evaluate their significance in prognosticating critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and observational study on 125 critically ill children aged 1 month to 12 years and admitted to the PICU of a tertiary care hospital, conducted from February 2019 to July 2020. Hematological alterations along with clinical profile, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III), and Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) scores were analyzed, and prognosis was defined by invasive ventilation requirement, duration of PICU stay, and death. Result: Among the 125 critically ill children, 35.2% were infants. The most common cause of PICU admission was infections (29.6%) followed by the central nervous system (20.8%) and respiratory system (20.8%). Around one-third of the patients required invasive ventilation and about half of the patients required inotropic support in our cohort. Sixty-four percent of critically ill children were found to be anemic at the time of PICU admission. Approximately 50% had leukocytosis and only 6% presented with leukopenia. Thrombocytopenia was present in 24.8%, and 20.8% had thrombocytosis on admission. Fourteen point four percent had deranged INR values. Conclusion: Critically ill children with low hemoglobin (Hb) levels, low white blood cell (WBC) count, high red cell distribution width (RDW) values, and deranged INR required invasive ventilation during PICU stay. Both leukocytosis and leukopenia along with low Hb were associated with prolonged PICU stay and death. No such association was found with either thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis.

An Observational Study on Pattern of Empirical Acyclovir Therapy in Children With Acute Encephalitis From Northern India.

To identify the prevalence of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), factors influencing the duration of empirical acyclovir and frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). Prospective observational study. Pediatric Emergency Department and PICU of a tertiary hospital in Northern India. All consecutive, eligible children between 1 month and 12 years old presenting with AES, defined as altered consciousness for greater than 24 hours (including lethargy, irritability, or a change in personality) and two or more of the following signs: 1) fever (temperature ≥ 38°C) during the current illness, 2) seizures or focal neurological signs, 3) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, 4) electroencephalogram, and/or 5) neuroimaging suggesting encephalitis, who received at least one dose of acyclovir. None. Of the 101 children screened, 83 were enrolled. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 3 years (1-6 yr). Thirty-one children (37.3%) were diagnosed with AES, of which four were labeled as probable HSE (three based on MRI brain, one based on serology). Scrub typhus, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and mumps were the other infective causes. The median (IQR) duration of acyclovir therapy was 72 hours (24-264 hr); 21 children (25.3%) received acyclovir for less than 24 hours and 11 (13.3%) for greater than or equal to 14 days. New-onset AKI was seen in 18 children (21.7%) but was mostly transient. Death (n = 8, 9.6%) and discontinuation of care due to futility or other reasons (n = 15, 18%) were noted in 23 children (28%). Factors associated with duration of acyclovir greater than 7 days, on univariable analysis, were lower modified Glasgow Coma Score at admission, requirement of invasive ventilation, invasive intracranial pressure monitoring, and CSF pleocytosis (5-500 cells). On multivariable analysis, only CSF pleocytosis of 5-500 cells was associated with duration of acyclovir greater than 7 days. Given the low prevalence of HSE, and the risk of AKI, this study sensitizes the need to review our practice on initiation and stopping of empirical acyclovir in children with acute encephalitis.

COVID-19: Impact of Original, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

This study compares the clinical characteristics and disease progression among vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant and postpartum women who tested positive for different variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using the Brazilian epidemiological data. Data of pregnant or postpartum patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and presenting with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from February 2020 to July 2022 were extracted from Brazilian national database. The patients were grouped based on vaccination status and viral variant (original, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants), and their demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms, and outcomes were compared retrospectively. Data of 10,003 pregnant and 2361 postpartum women were extracted from the database. For unvaccinated postpartum women, intensive care unit (ICU) admission was more likely; invasive ventilation need was more probable if they tested positive for the original, Gamma, and Omicron variants; and chances of death were higher when infected with the original and Gamma variants than when infected with other variants. Vaccinated patients had reduced adverse outcome probability, including ICU admission, invasive ventilation requirement, and death. Postpartum women showed worse outcomes, particularly when unvaccinated, than pregnant women. Hence, vaccination of pregnant and postpartum women should be given top priority.

Elucidating the Effect of Antenatal Corticosteroids in the Late Preterm Period

Aim and ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids given in the late preterm period.MethodologyWe conducted a retrospective case–control study on patients with singleton pregnancies who were at a risk of delivering in the late preterm period (34 weeks to 36 weeks 6 days). A total of 126 patients who had received antenatal corticosteroids (prenatal administration of either betamethasone or dexamethasone, minimum one dose) during the late preterm period were taken as cases, and 135 patients who had not received steroids antenatally due to various reasons, for example, who were clinically unstable, presented with active bleeding, non-reassuring foetal status that obligated an imminent delivery and those in active labour were included as controls. The various neonatal outcomes like APGAR score at one and five minutes, incidence of admission and duration of stay in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), respiratory morbidity, requirement of assisted ventilation, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) necrotizing enterocolitis, transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, use of surfactant, neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, sepsis and neonatal mortality were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. There was a lower incidence of admissions to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (15% vs. 26%, p = 0.05), respiratory distress syndrome (5% vs. 13%, p = 0.04), requirement of invasive ventilation (0% vs. 4%, p = 0.04) and hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy (24% vs. 39%, p = 0.02) in the babies of the group that received steroids compared to the control group. The rate of overall respiratory morbidity in the neonates was lowered after giving steroids (16% vs. 28%, p = 0.04). The incidence of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, hypoglycaemia, IVH, TTN, sepsis and mortality between the two groups was not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionAntenatal corticosteroids administered to patients between 34 and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation reduce respiratory morbidity, requirement of invasive ventilation, respiratory distress syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy and the incidence of NICU admissions in the newborns.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19: evidence beyond the hype

BackgroundThe role of ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19 is still under debate, yet the drug has been widely used in some parts of the world, as shown by impressive market data. The available body of evidence may have changed over the last months, as studies have been retracted and “standards of care” (SOC) used in control groups have changed with rapidly evolving knowledge on COVID-19. This review aims to summarize and critically appraise the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ivermectin, assessing clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.MethodsRCTs evaluating the effects of ivermectin in adult patients with COVID-19 were searched through June 22, 2022, in four databases, L.OVE platform, clinical trial registries and pre-prints platforms. Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and invasive ventilation requirement. Secondary endpoint was the occurrence of adverse events. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Meta-analysis included only studies which compared ivermectin to placebo or SOC. Random-effects were used to pool the risk ratios (RRs) of individual trials. The quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. The protocol was register in PROSPERO (CRD42021257471).ResultsTwenty-five RCTs fulfilled inclusion criteria (n = 6310). Of those, 14 compared ivermectin with placebo, in night ivermectin associated with SOC was compared to SOC and two studies compared ivermectin to an active comparator. Most RCTs had some concerns or high risk of bias, mostly due to lack of concealment of the randomization sequence and allocation, lack of blinding and high number of missing cases. Ivermectin did not show an effect in reducing mortality (RR = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.52–1.11) or mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.48–1.16). This effect was consistent when comparing ivermectin vs. placebo, and ivermectin associated with SOC vs. SOC, as well as in sensitivity analysis. Additionally, there was very low quality of evidence regarding adverse effects (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 0.84–1.35).ConclusionsThe evidence suggests that ivermectin does not reduce mortality risk and the risk of mechanical ventilation requirement. Although we did not observe an increase in the risk of adverse effects, the evidence is very uncertain regarding this endpoint.

Prognostic Outcomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Without Standard Modifiable Risk Factors: A Multiethnic Study of 8,680 Asian Patients.

BackgroundAn increasing proportion of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are presenting without standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs) of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking, but with an unexpectedly increased mortality. This study examined the SMuRF-less patients presenting with AMI in a multiethnic Asian population.MethodsWe recruited patients presenting with AMI from 2011 to 2021 and compared the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of SMuRF-less and SMuRF patients. Multivariable analysis was used to compare the outcomes of 30-day cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, readmission, cardiogenic shock, stroke, and heart failure. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for 30-day cardiovascular mortality, with stratification by ethnicity, gender and AMI type, and 10-year all-cause mortality.ResultsStandard modifiable risk factor-less patients, who made up 8.6% of 8,680 patients, were significantly younger with fewer comorbidities that include stroke and chronic kidney disease, but higher rates of ventricular arrhythmias and inotropic or invasive ventilation requirement. Multivariable analysis showed higher rates of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09–1.86, p = 0.048), cardiogenic shock (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09–1.52, p = 0.015), and stroke (RR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.67–3.34, p = 0.030) among SMuRF-less patients. A 30-day cardiovascular mortality was raised in the SMuRF-less group, with similar trends in men, patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the three Asian ethnicities. All-cause mortality remains increased in the SMuRF-less group for up to 5 years.ConclusionThere is a significant proportion of patients with AMI without standard risk factors in Asia, who have worse short-term mortality. This calls for greater focus on the management of this unexpectedly high-risk subgroup of patients.

Characteristics and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients with pulmonary disorders: A single-center, retrospective observational study.

IntroductionMortality rates and clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) vary significantly.ObjectivesTo describe the data of patients with pulmonary comorbidities who were admitted to the ICU with COVID‐19 in Qatar in terms of demographic characteristics, coexisting conditions, imaging findings, and outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of the outcomes with regard to mortality and requirement of invasive ventilation, demographic characteristics, coexisting conditions, secondary infections, and imaging findings for critical care patients with COVID‐19 in Qatar who had pulmonary comorbidities between March and June 2020.ResultsA total of 923 patients were included, 29 (3.14%) were found to have pulmonary disease. All these 29 patients' respiratory disease was noted to be asthma. Among these, three patients (10.3%) died in the ICU within 28 days of ICU admission. They were all above 50 years old. Nineteen (66%) patients required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Twenty‐one (72.4%) patients were males. The most common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (55.1%) and hypertension (62%). Eighteen (62%) patients developed secondary infections in the ICU. Five (17.24%) patients developed renal impairment. Twenty (69%) patients received tocilizumab as part of their COVID‐19 management, and out of these 16 (80%) patients developed a coinfection.ConclusionPatients with pulmonary disorders had higher mortality rates than other patients admitted to ICU during the same time frame with similar comorbidities; these patients require extra consideration and care to avoid disease progression and death.

Efficacy of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in severe and critical COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundVarious immunomodulatory therapies have been explored to manage the dysregulated immune response seen in severe COVID-19 infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in severe and critical COVID-19 disease. MethodsThis retrospective study included 535 patients with severe and critical COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital, from May 2020 to December 2020. Primary outcome was the percentage of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were a) in-hospital mortality, b) 28-day mortality, c) ICU-length of stay (ICU-LOS), d) days to discontinuation of supplemental oxygen, and e) days to COVID-PCR negativity. Logistic regression and linear regression were performed using the adjusted and unadjusted analyses. ResultsWe analyzed a total of 535 patients out of which 255 (47.7%) received IVIG along with standard treatment and 280 (52.3%) received only standard treatment. Two groups were similar in terms of COVID-19 severity, APACHE II score, oxygen requirements, and initial management. The requirement of invasive ventilation was significantly less in the IVIG group compared to the Non-IVIG group (32.2% vs 40.4%, p < 0.05). In-hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, and ICU-LOS were also significantly less in the IVIG group (all p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis within the IVIG group showed that early administration of IVIG (≤7 days from ICU admission), old age (≥65 years), and obesity were associated with better outcomes (need for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality) (all p < 0.05). IVIG administration in patients with chronic respiratory disease was associated with a reduced requirement for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.05), but there was an insignificant improvement in mortality. ConclusionHigh-dose IVIG improves outcomes in severe and critical COVID-19 patients. The study also underscores the importance of timing and patient selection when administering IVIG.

Early Predictors of Success of Non-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

Objectives: To study the indication of NIPPV in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure. To evaluate the clinical, laboratory and ventilatory parameters with respect to improvement or deterioration in general condition of the patient. To predict the outcome in the form of weaning from NIPPV or requirement of invasive ventilation. To compare APACHE II score with outcome. Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is now being considered more as the respiratory support of choice for acute respiratory failure. In some patients, with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, NIV is inadequate and invasive ventilation is required for the management of respiratory failure. Thus, the determination of early predictors of the success of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is important to identify the patients who are likely to benefit from it. This study was done to determine the early predictors of the success of NIPPV in hypercapnic respiratory failure. Material and Methods: In the current hospital-based prospective observational study, 100 patients admitted with hypercapnic respiratory failure requiring ventilation therapy are included in the study. Baseline clinical (heart rate [HR] and respiratory rate [RR]), arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters (pH, pO2, and pCO2), and ventilatory parameters were recorded before the initiation of NIPPV. The above parameters were re-evaluated at 1, 4, and 24 h after initiation of NIPPV. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was also calculated on admission and at the end of 24 h to compare with the outcome. Results: Of the 100 patients, 73% of patients showed improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters. There was an improvement in HR, RR, pH, pCO2, and pO2 within the 1st hour and continued to improve even after 1 h, 4 h, and 24 h of NIPPV in the success group. About 27% of patients who failed to improve required intubation. The optimum cutoff value for APACHE II score on admission for predicting the outcome of NIPPV was found to be 33 in this study. Therefore, a score above 33 predicts failure of NIV. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the clinical and laboratory parameters predict the success of NIPPV in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure averting the need for mechanical ventilation.

Awake proning in COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection often experience hypoxic respiratory failure and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement. As pandemic progresses, ICU beds and mechanical ventilators may become rate-limiting factor. Prone positioning in conscious patients may improve oxygenation avoiding mechanical ventilation. We conducted retrospective study regarding proning in nonintubated patients in COVID ICU.Objective: Primary objective: change in SpO2 and PaO2 in ABG in non intubated COVID-19 patients who underwent awake prone positioning (PP). Secondary objective: PaO2 and PaCO2 variation before and during PP or after resupination. Intubation incidence within 2 weeks of first PP trial.Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in SMCH from June – July 2020 among awake, nonintubated COVID 19 patients in ICU.Inclusion criteria: Patients with SpO2 >93 % with oxygen by face mask or nasal canula @ 2-10L/min.Exclusion criteria: Altered mental status and impaired consciousness. We collected demographics, vitals, and position data.Prone positioning: Placing patient on his or her stomach with head on side. Patient advised to remain in prone position as long as he can tolerate to maximum of 12hrs/day. Parameters such as HR, BP, SpO2 and PaO2 were measured before and during PP or after resupination at 30mins interval.Result: Our retrospective study, suggest that in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate acute hypoxic respiratory failure, conscious proning can lead to oxygenation improvement, less invasive ventilation requirement, shorter hospital stay length and better overall outcomes.

Efficacy of intravenous vitamin C in management of moderate and severe COVID-19: A double blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

To study the efficacy of intravenous vitamin C in management of moderate and severe COVID-19. To determine the efficacy of intravenous vitamin C in reducing in-hospital mortality in moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. Parallel, double-blinded randomized controlled trial with placebo. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethics committee, AIIMS Patna. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry - India (registration number- CTRI/2020/11/029230.). A tertiary care centre in Bihar, India. All patients above the age of 18 years both males and females, admitted in ICU with a diagnosis of moderate and severe COVID-19 (on the basis of a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) report) at our facility during the study period (01/10/2020-31/12/2020) not having any of the exclusion criteria. The patients in the intervention arm were given 1 gram (2 ampoules of 2 ml each containing 500 mg of vitamin C mixed in 100 ml normal saline) intravenous vitamin C 8 hourly for four days. The patients in the placebo arm received similar looking ampoules (2 ampoules of 2 ml sterile water for injection mixed in 100 ml normal saline) intravenously 8 hourly for four days. The rest of the treatment was given as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the institute with adjustments as per treating team's judgement. Primary outcome was reduction in in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were improvement in qSOFA score, pO2/fiO2 ratio, fall in inflammatory markers, need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. Regarding primary outcome, 10 (33.3%) patients died in intervention group compared to 13 (43.3%) in placebo. Worth noting from baseline characteristics is that 86.7% in intervention arm were of severe category compared to 66.7% severe category patients in placebo group. Though number of severe cases were more in intervention arm there has been comparatively less mortality in this group. Regarding secondary outcomes, amongst 30 patients in vitamin C group, 11 (36.7%) required invasive mechanical ventilation compared to 14 (46.7%) out of 30 in placebo group but the difference was not statistically significant. Although there were a greater number of moderate cases in placebo group, invasive ventilation requirement (and NIV requirement) was more in this group, thus it could be considered that vitamin C might have a role in reducing the severity of disease. The need for vasopressor therapy was higher in intervention arm 33.3% compared to 26.7% in placebo but not significant statistically. The secondary outcomes of the study such as improvement in organ failure score (qSOFA Score), fall in level of inflammatory markers, improvement in respiratory index (pO2/fiO2 ratio), need for mechanical ventilation and need for vasopressors also shown encouraging results but not up to the statistically significant level due to moderate dosage of the drug and small sample size. In the current study, by the observations and results of the double-blind placebo controlled randomised trial, we concluded that as the primary outcome of the study, there was reduction in In-hospital mortality and need for mechanical ventilation in the vitamin C intervention group compared to placebo, although these results did not reach statistical significance due to small sample size and use of moderate dose of IV vitamin C. The secondary outcomes of the study such as improvement in organ failure score (qSOFA Score), fall in level of inflammatory markers, improvement in respiratory index (pO2/fiO2 ratio), need for mechanical ventilation and need for vasopressors also shown encouraging results but not up to the statistically significant level due to moderate dosage of the drug and small sample size. In summary, high dose of intravenous vitamin C may reduce inflammatory reaction, improve oxygen support status, and reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, without adverse events. High dose intravenous vitamin C may be a promising therapy for patients of moderate to severe COVID-19.

Differences between COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease patients.

Introduction:This article describes the main differences between COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury (AKI-COVID19) in patients with previous normal renal function (AKI-NRF) and those with chronic kidney disease (AKI-CKD) treated in a high complexity clinic in Barranquilla (Colombia).Material and Methods:The patients included in this study (n: 572) were those with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by detection of a positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Of these patients, 188 developed AKI during their hospital stay. Patients’ epidemiological data, serum parameters, and clinical frailty status were recorded. Statistical analysis and comparison among AKI-NRF, AKI-CKD, and non-AKI patients were performed.Results:The incidence of COVID-19-induced AKI was 33%, with the majority classified as AKIN 1, 16% requiring renal replacement therapy, and AKI-COVID19 mortality of 68%. A significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, cardiac disease, and serum reactive C-protein and lower albumin values in AKI-CKD patients was recorded. Mortality rate, invasive ventilation requirement, and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in AKI-NRF patients:Conclusion:Different clinical patterns between AKI-NRF and AKI-CKD were documented.

Pre-morbidity and COVID-19 disease outcomes in Pakistani population: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACTObjectives:To identify association of underlying pre-morbidities with disease severity and mortality in hospitalized patients with Corona virus disease 2019.Methods:Total 884 COVID RT-PCR positive patients admitted to KRL Hospital Islamabad from April 2020 to August 2020 were included in this cross-sectional study. Pre-morbidities recorded were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neuro-psychiatric conditions (stroke and depression) and malignancy. Oxygen requirement, requirement of invasive ventilation, and outcome (recovered versus died) was documented. WHO categories for disease severity were used. Demographic profile and symptoms were also noted. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. Pearson’s Chi square test was used to see association between pre-morbidities and disease severity categories, oxygen requirement, invasive ventilation and outcome. Pearson’s correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between individual pre-morbidities and disease severity categories. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The mean age was 40 ± 12.21 years with 98.5 % being males. Majority patients (74.8%) were asymptomatic. Fever was the most common symptom. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most commonly recorded co-morbidity. Significant correlation (p value < 0.05) was found between the presence of underlying pre-morbidities and disease severity as well as oxygen requirement, requirement of invasive ventilation and mortality.Conclusion:Results are compatible with worldwide studies and underlying pre-morbidities are convincing risk factors for disease severity and mortality.

Abstract 9141: Cardiac Injury and Mortality Among Covid-19 Patients in a Predominantly Black Community of East Flatbush Brooklyn

Introduction: Black/African-American (AA) populations have been previously shown to have increased disease burden of COVID-19 and related deaths. However, not many studies have examined cardiovascular comorbidities and associated cardiac injury contributions to morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in this population. In this study, we investigate the contributions of cardiac injury to mortality of COVID-19 in a predominantly AA population. Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of 572 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to SUNY Downstate HSC in East Flatbush, Brooklyn between March 12 and May 12, 2020. Patients with a documented troponin level above 0.15 μg/L were denoted as having cardiac injury. Of this group, 110 patients were in the cardiac injury group and 462 patients were in the no cardiac injury group. Statistical significance was designated at the p=0.05 level. Outcome: The primary outcome is 60-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, non-invasive and invasive ventilation requirement, requirement of intensive care unit admission. Results: The median age was 69 years. 303 (52.97%) were males, and 515 (90.03%) were AA. When compared to patient’s non-cardiac injury group, the cardiac injury group tended to be older, and more likely to have comorbidities such as CHF, COPD, and ESRD. Patients with cardiac injury were also more likely to be smokers. In the cardiac injury group, laboratory data showed a higher white blood cell count, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and procalcitonin. Patients with cardiac injury had higher proportion of renal failure, were more likely to require intubation, and were more likely to be transferred to ICU. Notably in comparison to the non-cardiac injury group, patients with cardiac injury found to have a statistically significant two-fold increase in 60-day mortality (62.73% vs 32.90%), reduced mean survival time (33.57 vs 52.70) and a hazard ratio of 1.53 after controlling for confounders using the multiple adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression model. Conclusions and Relevance: The study results exhibit a statistically significant association between cardiac injury and mortality among COVID-19 positive individuals from a predominantly AA population.

Multi-Arm Trial of Inflammatory Signal Inhibitors (MATIS) for Hospitalised Patients with Mild or Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Structured Summary of a Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Multi-Arm Trial of Inflammatory Signal Inhibitors (MATIS) for Hospitalised Patients with Mild or Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Structured Summary of a Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial